Collection: Baltimore Sun restaurant reviews

In a matter of weeks, La Cuchara — the name is Spanish for "spoon" — has ripened into a mature, engaging restaurant. The kitchen, led by chef-owner Ben Lefenfeld, is turning out good, hearty and interesting food from a menu inspired by the Basque cuisine.

Baltimore is no stranger to great Afghan food. The Helmand restaurant has been a city favorite for years; the country's influence is also apparent in kebab shops and casual eateries scattered throughout town.

Over the past few years, Korean food and "fast casual" dining have been trends on the rise, both in Baltimore and around the country. It was only a matter of time before a fast-casual Korean restaurant popped up in the city.